Fresh Baked Foccacia
Ingredients
431g Flour
5g Active Dry Yeast
11g Salt
235 ml Warm Water
50g Olive or Canola Oil, more for topping and greasing the pan
Optional for garnish: Roasted garlic, caramelized onions, shallots, fresh herbs, chopped olives, tomatoes or sliced apple
Method
1. Combine flour, yeast & salt in a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. If mixing by hand, give the dry mix a little stir to ensure salt and yeast are evenly distributed.
2. Measure out 235ml of warm but not hot water and add it to the dry mix.
3. Reserve 4 tables spoons of oil and add the rest into the mixing bowl. If you would like any flavourings in your bread such as roasted garlic or rosemary, add them to the dough at this point, or you may use them to garnish the top of the focaccia in the last step.
4. Mix by hand or with mixer until dough is formed, it should not have any clumps of dry ingredients. If you have added the rosemary and garlic, there may be some lumps in your dough which is perfectly normal. When mixing by hand, you may have to transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead to achieve the consistency outlines above.
5. Once the dough is mixed. Use 1.5 tbsp of your reserved oil to lightly oil the bottom and sides of your selected baking dish. Transfer dough to the oiled baking dish and cover with plastic or beeswax wrap and allow to double in size in a warm to room temperature environment. This can take approximately 30-60 minutes.
Pro tip: if the baking dish of choice fits, you may place it in the chamber of your microwave with a glass of boiled water to trap steam. Do not turn the microwave on with your dough inside.
6. Once the dough has risen, spread your dough out by pulling it to stretch it and pressing it with your finger tips to reach the corners and edges of the baking dish. Aim to have an even thickness throughout your baking dish. If you have chosen a large baking sheet, create a “free form” shape.
7. Drizzle the last remaining oil over the surface of your dough and spread it around with your fingertips. If you opted to garnish the top of your focaccia with your rosemary and garlic, place them on the surface of the dough and press into place gently. You may also add your own personal touches such as : cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, sliced shallot or onion, coarse salt, and cracked black pepper to name a few.
Pro tip: Arrange the toppings in a design for a beautiful presentation!
8. Place the dough back where it was rising for another 30-45 minutes.
When the dough is ready to bake it should have risen again, almost doubling in size and should leave an impression if poked by your finger.
9. Preheat oven to 425F. Place the focaccia in the oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes. You may add more time of you like your focaccia darker.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice and enjoy!